Money

Currency

Although Poland is part of the EU, the official Polish Currency is the złoty (zł or PLN) pronounced zwo-ti. It is divided into 100 groszy (gr).

Approximate conversions: 1 PLN = 100 gr = 32 US cents = 24 euro cents

Money & Food

Ask yourself, how many meals will I need to buy? World Youth Day provides basic meals for the week, but not breakfast if you have lodging other than what is provided by WYD. Fast food will cost from $5-$9USdepending on what you get and how much you buy. A cafe may cost from $12-$15US. Polish food is typically very hearty and tasty.

Money & Shopping

Have you promised to bring back gifts for every cousin, friend and neighbor? If so, buy very small gifts like medals blessed by the Pope. In fact, you might want to bring the medals with you to get them blessed. WYD always has memorabilia to buy, but in large quantities it’s expensive. Also consider any individual sightseeing expenses. Recommendation: $200-$400US

Credit & Debit Cards

While Visa or MC is now widely accepted across Europe, this plastic will be of little help at newspaper stands, street food vendors, and smaller markets. When using credit cards, you will get the banks exchange rate minus their commission (usually 3-5%). This is a good safety net for emergencies. Be sure to call your credit card company before you travel and let them know your plans so they do not put a hold on your card.

Debit cards are very handy to withdraw money in any European. Be aware that some ATMs only allow 4-digit pins, also be cautious to guard your pin as you key it into the pin-pad. Your bank will charge you a withdrawal fee, but you should get a good exchange rate. Only use this for larger withdrawals since the fee is charged each time. Imagine a $5US fee on a $20US withdrawal.

Where to stash cash

WorldYouthDay.com recommends that EVERYONE use a money belt. With this, your money, passport and debit card will hide safely under your pants/skirt and will only come off when you shower. If this is uncomfortable, wear it in the back. The around-the-neck types are not very good in summer because they can be readily seen under a t-shirt.

Changing Money

It’s a good idea to change some money into Zloty (and other currency if traveling outside Poland) before you depart your country. Your local bank should offer this service (for a fee). The rates you will receive will not be the best, but it’s worth a fee to have some local currency when you arrive. The best rates in Krakow will likely be found in the banks. Money changers vary with rates and commissions. The best rate to hope for is 3% off the official exchange rate. Check the daily rates at www.xe.com.

Travelers Checks

These used to be a good idea, back in the ’60s. This lousy method of bringing small amounts of money (less than $1,000US) is a costly hassle. They are not accepted in stores and at banks fees are added to the exchange rates and the regular fees for changing money. It is only a good idea if you are bringing large amounts of currency.